Ten Commandments Hike-Manassas, VA

2019 Ten Commandments Hike News

 

INTRODUCTION: This activity is a circuit hike (about 4.3 miles) through the City of Manassas with stops at four churches. At each stop a church representative will conduct an interactive discussion with the youth about two or three of the Ten Commandments along with a brief introduction to their particular religious denomination.

 

WHEN: Saturday, November 2, 2019. The time frame for the hike will be 1:30 PM until 5:30 PM, with registration starting at 1:00 PM. The starting and ending location for the hike will be All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, VA 20110.

 

THEME: The theme for the Sixth Annual Ten Commandments Hike in the City of Manassas is Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you:  "The Lord was pleased, for the sake of his righteousness, to magnify his teaching and make it glorious." (Isaiah 42:21).   Each pastor, religious leader, or designated speaker will be encouraged to use this theme as part of their discussion of the commandments. The design of the 2019 patch reflects a new theme of reaching back into our Judeo-Christian roots.

 

COST: There will be no cost for this event. Anyone who completes the hike will receive a patch although they are asked to donate a non perishable food item from the following list: box of cereal, can of tuna/chicken, jar of peanut butter or box of dry pasta with a plastic jar of pasta sauce. The donations will be collected prior to the hike and the patches will be given out upon completion of the hike. A free will donation jar will be available at registration for those wishing to help defray the cost of the the patches for next year.

 

SCHEDULE: Each hiking group will operate autonomously, with a limit of 20 participants and 2 adults per group. Leaders are responsible for making sure their group remains on schedule and on course. At the starting point each group will be given a map and detailed directions for the hike. The discussion at each house of worship will last approximately 20 minutes (10 minutes for discussion of commandments, 5 minutes for introduction to the particular faith of the house of worship, 5 minutes for questions).

 

PARTICIPATION: Participation is open to all supervised youth and families of the community. In particular, participation is open to all Scouting, BSA units in Prince William District. Units from other districts within NCAC are also invited. Members of the Girl Scouts of America are invited to participate, as well as Trail Life, American Heritage girls, Camp Fire youth, 4-H youth, Columbian Squires and Squire Roses. Siblings and family members are encouraged to participate as well.

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Participation by Manassas City businesses is encouraged and this year we are being supported by Jitterbugs Ice Cream Cafe! Jitterbugs will be providing water and/or other refreshments during the hike however you are encouraged to visit Jitterbugs after the hike to show them your appreciation for their support (and enjoy a treat)!

 

SAFETY: The 2019 hike is sponsored by Knights of Columbus George Brent Council #5332 and All Saints Church. This event is registered with the City of Manassas. Existing unit insurance from BSA will cover registered BSA participants. All BSA leadership requirements for Safe Scouting must be in place for BSA units to participate in this event. All other organized youth groups must have their particular leadership requirements in effect in order to participate. All youth are welcome provided they have proper adult supervision. There will be a medical staffer available at the registration site for any issues during the hike.

 

REGISTRATION: An estimate of the number of adult and youth participants is requested as soon as possible before the day of the hike (see Registration page on this web site). This information is vital for event planning. Hike day registration should be completed by only one person per group to avoid confusion in accounting for everyone who participates in the hike.

 

SERVICE PROJECT: Each group participating in the hike will be asked to pick up litter along the hike route. Trash bags and vinyl gloves will be provided. The City of Manassas should be a cleaner place after the hike than it was before the hike.

 

CHURCHES: The following churches will be participating in the 2019 hike: All Saints Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Reformed Presbyterian Church and Church of the Brethren.  We need to be respectful in all the places of worship that we visit along the hike route. All of the churches are handicap accessible.

 

ROUTE PLANNING: The hike route is organized to provide a safe and effective route through the City of Manassas. The City of Manassas Police Department has reviewed and approved the hike route. Support from the City of Manassas Police Department is essential to making this hike a safe and fun experience for everyone involved.

 

SITE MANNING: Hike volunteers will staff the registration tables and other points along the hike. Their role is to keep the flow of youth running smoothly at the sites, to keep the presenters on schedule, and to ensure the sites are returned to their pre-hike condition. A first-aider will be available for the duration of the hike.

 

FEEDBACK: All adults will be asked to complete a brief feedback form at the end of the hike. Your comments and suggestions are needed so that next year the hike will be even better!

 

 

CANCELLATION POLICY: The Ten Commandments Hike will be conducted “rain or shine”. BE PREPARED! WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! However, should dangerous weather present hazardous conditions, the hike will be cancelled for that day. Any changes will be announced on the web site.